Welding on a gas tank...

[LX_F23A1]

So I need to weld on new nuts/bolts onto the tank, after my walbro 255 install...just like any old Honda, my nuts are no longer there (stfu).

Now I heard two techniques of welding onto a recently active gas tank.

Method 1: Empty the gas tank and fill it with water.

Method 2: Empty the tank, leave the drain bolt out, run a flex hose from a tailpipe on a car that's running..and commence with the suicidal part.

I need some input on this before I kill myseld lol

 

[BlkCurrantKord]

Which bolts are we talking about? The ones on the pump cover plate?

Either way - its the fumes that are combustible, not the gas itself. Keep a fire extinguiser handy. No, a hose is not good enough.

 

[LX_F23A1]

Yea the ones that hold the cover/pump assembly down. And true that, just want to numb it somehow to make sure it doesnt go up in flames lol

And...I think thats next on the investment list

 

[Narftastic]

my nuts are no longer there (stfu).

lmaooo sorry i had too

 

[LX_F23A1]

Vlad.....smdh

 

[BlkCurrantKord]

Mine were pretty rusted and rounded when I pulled mine, used an extractor or something for rounded off bolts and they came right out.. Honestly, it's easier if you drop the subframe and tank as one unit to get to everything. It's only 4 bolts.

 

[Bax]

we actually just recently went over this in school, iirc the options were empty a full CO2 fire extinguisher into the tank, purge it with water, or purge it with steam for a few hours.

The purging with water seems like the most logical and time-effective method, imo.

Like BlkCurrantKord said, it's the vapors you're worried about, so just make sure the vapors get flushed out.

edit: I just checked 2 books I have on me, the general book says "Before welding any fuel tank, thoroughly purge it of all explosive fumes by steam cleaning, or some other means to remove all of the danger. To steam a fuel tank, pass live steam through it from the bottom and let it flow out the top. Continue steaming for at least an hour." But then says " For Integral fuel tanks, drain and purge it with either argon or CO2 until a vapor detector shows that the tank is free of explosive vapors and safe to repair. Both of these gases are heavier than air and will remain in the tank during the repair."

Then, the other book which is an advisory circular says "Purge de-fueled tanks of explosive fuel/air mixtures in accordance with the manufacturer's service instructions. In the absence of such instructions, utilize an inert gas such as CO2 as a purgative to assure the total deletion of fuel/air mixtures."

I've never done this, though, so Idk which method to recommend. But I hope this was helpful.

 

[BlkCurrantKord]

Once it's empty - steaming it would probably be the cheapest and easiet option if your're doing it yourself in your garage or driveway (recommend driveway). Or get a small sized ABC extinquisher (kitchen type), empty as much gas as possible, shoot it in through one of the holes or the filler neck.